NFL's Salute to Service

Honoring the military is part of the fabric of the NFL. This support takes place both at home and abroad, with NFL players and coaches traveling overseas to salute the troops, as well as with team recognition of our servicemen and women through the NFL's Salute to Service.

Through its long-standing partnerships and support from our 32 teams, the NFL takes pride in supporting military personnel and remains committed to raising awareness for the sacrifices they make on our behalf. Year-round, the league works with its military non-profit partners including the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO, TAPS and Wounded Warrior Project, to fund programs and provide resources that positively impact veterans and active duty military members and their families. Since 2011, the NFL has raised more than $17 million for its military non-profit partners.

Award Finalists

Andre Roberts (Wide Receiver)

Atlanta Falcons

Ron Rivera (Head Coach)

Carolina Panthers

Mike Mularkey (Former Head Coach)

Tennessee Titans

Salute to Service Award

The Salute to Service Award presented by USAA acknowledges the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans and their families. USAA and the NFL presented Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn with the 2016 Salute to Service Award. Click below to learn more about the 2017 Salute to Service Award.

See below for more information on the NFL’s military non-profit partners:

Pat Tillman Foundation
The NFL partners with the Pat Tillman Foundation to honor leaders who exemplify Pat's enduring legacy of service. The NFL's contributions support the Tillman Scholar program, which provides active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses with academic scholarships, a national network and professional development opportunities, so they are empowered to make an impact. With the NFL's support, more than 500 Tillman Scholars are now pursuing careers in medicine, business, law, science, education and the arts. The NFL's contributions also support the annual Tillman Honors and Pat Tillman Leadership Summit, which convene the Tillman Scholars to network, collaborate and present solutions to challenges facing the country through keynotes, panels and workshops with industry, non-profit and community leaders.

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
The NFL partners with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to support the families of the fallen and military mentors. NFL funding supported the creation and implementation of a team4taps program at this year's Pro Bowl and will again in 2018. In 2017, the NFL will fund a TAPS International Program to support the reconciliation of US military survivors with survivors abroad, as well as youth mentorship and counseling programs including Good Grief Camps and the Purple Shirt Program.

United Service Organizations (USO)
The NFL's tradition of supporting America's armed services includes a more than 50-year partnership with the USO. In September 2016, the NFL announced a new $5 million commitment to the military nonprofit to aid new projects that provide services and programs at more than 200 USO locations worldwide. Through the lens of football, the NFL and USO strive to keep our service members connected to the things they hold dear: family, home and country. Many programs including Flag Football and USO2GO deliveries are a part of this enhanced partnership.

Wounded Warrior Project
The NFL partners with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to connect wounded veterans with programs and resources that empower them to live their lives to the fullest, on their own terms, at no cost. This support has enabled WWP to fund the expansion of critical mental health programs. These rehabilitative programs aid veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the transition and recovery process. Additionally, with the NFL's support, Wounded Warrior Project has hosted numerous Physical Health and Wellness expos across the country for wounded veterans and their family members.

USAA Supports Salute to Service

Since 2011, USAA has served as the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL. Together, USAA and the NFL seek to elevate military appreciation across the league among players, teams, and fans through the NFL Salute to Service initiative. USAA annually works with several NFL teams during the NFL Salute to Service campaign to honor the men and women who have served and currently serve in the U.S. military by conducting base visits, hosting military at training camps, hosting thousands of military at Salute to Service games, and enlisting NFL fans to demonstrate their appreciation by participating in the Salute to Service conversation.

OVERVIEW OF THE NFL'S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR THE LEAGUE’S MILITARY NON-PROFIT PARTNERS:

The NFL does not profit from the sale or auction of Salute to Service - identified merchandise. Since the campaign launched, the NFL has donated more than $17 million to its military non-profit partners. Funds are raised through two primary channels: NFL Auction and the sale of Salute to Service- identified merchandise at retail.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

NFL Auction: 100% of proceeds from Salute to Service products auctioned on NFL Auction go directly to the NFL's military non-profit partners.

At Retail: The NFL does not profit from the sale of Salute to Service products. Charitable contributions are donated to the NFL's military nonprofit partners including the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, Pat Tillman Foundation and TAPS.